There’s a flurry of public sentiment and a lot to live up to when it comes to the new design for Redcliffe’s Suttons Pavilion.
A conceptual design plan, which was recently selected from an Australian-wide competition, is currently in its preliminary stage and awaiting further development.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, gave his approval to the winning entrants, lahznimmo architects with Plummer & Smith, and expressed his optimism about the concept’s future possibilities.
“In conjunction with the flow-on benefits for employment, economic development, and tourism in City of Moreton Bay, this revitalised site will bring new life to this much-loved seaside precinct,” Mayor Flannery said.
Jodie Starr, President of Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Committee (SBPPG), said that the planned development would provide a focus for social gatherings at Suttons Beach in a range of settings.
“This could include formal dining, fish and chips, ice cream, picnics, and more, while making the most of its spectacular location and views across the bay,” Ms Starr said.
She said that although the design was not unlike many other multipurpose beach and coastal buildings, there appeared to be room for improvement, particularly in the eyes of the general public.
“I think it is important to remember that this design is only at the concept stage, and we have to bear in mind that the project (and its design features) will be refined as we move forward,” Ms Starr said.
“Having said that, it is disappointing that this initial concept design does not capture more obvious art deco features.”
A group of experts in architectural design, including Queensland Government architect Leah Lang, unanimously selected the winning design as part of a CityLab competition.
“While we appreciated the significance that the original art deco pavilion had for the community, we didn’t want to just replicate what was already there,” Ms Lang said.
Ms Starr said her organisation was looking forward to working with Council and architects to develop “a building style that captures quite strong community sentiment.”
“The SBPPG is keen for the new Suttons Beach Pavilion to become an iconic building and destination in its own right – just like the original,” she said.
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